State ye name!

Branding your children’s names over the walls of a play area (like this pirate-themed one) will remind them – and whoever dares to enter – who’s boss of this place! You can draw the letters freehand or jump online and find a suitable font, print them out, trace, cut and paint.

Step 1Do an internet search for Collegiate font and install on your computer. Type names in a Word document, then print. Using a photocopier, enlarge to A2 size. If you don’t have access to a photocopier, a print shop or your local library can help. Place paper template on plywood and trace around it. Using jigsaw, carefully cut out letters.

Better Homes and Gardens

Step 2Sand edges smooth and paint letters all over with an undercoat. Paint face of letters with a small roller but leave edges white for contrast.

Better Homes and Gardens

Step 3To fix to brick wall, drill a 6mm clearance hole through each letter, ensuring holes are drilled symmetrically. Hold letter on wall in desired position. Using a power drill with a 6mm masonry drill bit, drill through clearance holes and mark their position on wall. Remove letter and continue to drill into wall, making sure there’s sufficient depth to accommodate masonry screws. Hammer plugs into holes.

Step 4Place letters back on wall and screw through each letter into plug to secure. To help hide screws, give letters another coat of paint.

Really go to town and make the letters part of an epic themed play area like the one below. Find all the instructions you need to create it, right here. Ahoy, me hearties!